Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina: The Complete Guide
Every Falcon Oasis dhow cruise and dinner cruise in Dubai Marina, compared: prices, timings, food, route and the best seat on the boat.
A dhow cruise in Dubai Marina is one of the most popular evenings in the city, and for good reason. You sit down to a buffet dinner on a traditional wooden boat while the Marina’s towers light up around you, a Tanoura dancer spins on deck and the water reflects the whole skyline. No traffic, no queues, just two easy hours on the water.
This guide covers everything you need to book the right one: every Falcon Oasis dhow cruise and dinner cruise in Dubai Marina with exact 2026 prices, what’s on the menu, the route, upper vs lower deck, how to get to the harbour and answers to the questions guests ask us most.
In this guide
What Is a Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina?
A dhow is a traditional wooden sailing boat that has been used across the Gulf for centuries for trading and pearl diving. Today, beautifully restored and lit-up dhows carry guests on evening dinner cruises. In Dubai Marina, that tradition meets one of the world’s most modern skylines: you dine on a classic Arabian boat while sailing between gleaming towers.
A typical Dubai Marina dhow cruise includes a welcome drink, an international and Arabic buffet dinner, unlimited soft drinks, background music and a live Tanoura dance show, all during roughly two hours on the water.
Dubai Marina vs Dubai Creek dhow cruise
Dubai Creek cruises sail past the old souks and heritage district, while a Marina dhow cruise is all about the modern skyline: Cayan Tower, JBR, Marina Walk and Ain Dubai. If it’s your first time in Dubai and you want the city’s famous lights, the Marina is the one most visitors choose. Compare more options in our guide to the best dhow cruises in Dubai.
Falcon Oasis Dhow Cruise & Dinner Cruise Options (2026 Prices)
Falcon Oasis Tourism has run tours and cruises in Dubai since 2004, and every cruise below is booked directly with us, with no middleman. Here’s every option in Dubai Marina, from a budget dhow to a premium BBQ cruise.
Mega Dhow Cruise with Dinner
from AED 99 / adult
- Two-deck traditional dhow
- International & Arabic buffet
- Live Tanoura show
- Boarding 8:00 PM, 2 hours
Glass Cruise with Dinner & Shows
from AED 75 / adult
- Large glass panels for views
- International buffet, veg & non-veg
- Tanoura dance show
- Boarding 8:00 PM, 2 hours
Premium pickPremium Dinner Cruise (Luxury Yacht)
from AED 119 / adult
- Five-star BBQ buffet
- Live cooking station
- Tanoura show & live entertainment
- Cruising 8:30–10:30 PM
Falcon Oasis Pearl Yacht Cruise
from AED 109 / adult
- Climate-controlled indoor lounge
- Chef-prepared dinner
- DJ music and lighting
- Departs 8:30 PM, 2 hours
Sunset Dhow Cruise
from AED 75 / adult
- Sail as the sun goes down
- Buffet with Arabic specialities
- Tanoura show
- Cruising 5:30–7:00 PM
Dhow Cruise with Samosa & Soft Drinks
AED 49 / person
- No dinner, just the views
- Hot veg samosas
- Unlimited soft drinks
- Boarding 8:00 PM, 2 hours
Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise Comparison
| Cruise | Adult / child | Timing | Food | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhow with Samosa | 49 / 49 | Board 8:00 PM (8:30 Sat) | Samosas & soft drinks | Budget, already eaten |
| Glass Cruise | 75 / 69 | Board 8:00 PM | International buffet | Best value dinner |
| Sunset Dhow | 75 / – | 5:30–7:00 PM | International buffet | Sunset photos |
| Mega Dhow | 99 / 89 | Board 8:00 PM | International & Arabic buffet | Classic dhow experience |
| Falcon Oasis Pearl | 109 / 99 | Departs 8:30 PM | Chef-prepared dinner | Couples, modern yacht feel |
| Premium Cruise | 119 / 109 | 8:30–10:30 PM | 5-star BBQ buffet + live station | Special occasions |
Prices in AED. Infants under 3 travel free on the Mega Dhow, Glass and Premium dinner cruises. Upper deck seating on most cruises is +AED 20 per person.
How a Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise Evening Works
Dhow Cruise Route: What You’ll See
The exact route can vary slightly with sea and weather conditions, as the captain decides for guest safety.
Dinner on a Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise: What’s on the Menu?
Every dinner cruise includes an open buffet with plenty of choice for vegetarians and meat eaters. Expect Arabic and international dishes, salads, rice, grilled items and desserts, with unlimited soft drinks, water, tea and coffee. The Premium Cruise steps it up with a five-star BBQ buffet and a live cooking station, and the Pearl serves a dinner prepared by its onboard chefs. You can check the Mega Dhow menu or the Premium Cruise menu before you book.
Drinks note: alcohol is not included in any of our standard dinner cruise packages. On the Glass and Premium cruises, alcoholic drinks, fresh juices and ice cream can be bought on board. The Mega Dhow does not serve alcohol.
Upper Deck vs Lower Deck: Which Is Better?
- Fully air-conditioned with large windows
- Best from May to September
- Ideal for families with young children
- Comfortable, relaxed dining
- Open-air with 360-degree skyline views
- Best from October to April
- Favourite for couples and photographers
- Bring a light layer in winter
Celebrating? On the Mega Dhow, Glass and Premium cruises you can add a couple’s table (AED 40), a private table for up to 4 people (AED 80) or a celebration cake (AED 150) when you book.
How to Get to Dubai Marina Harbour
- By Metro: Red Line to Sobha Realty station, about 2.5 km away (roughly a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride).
- By Tram: Mina Seyahi stop is about 900 m away, around a 12-minute walk.
- By Taxi: any Dubai taxi, Careem or Uber can drop you at Dubai Marina Harbour. Use the map pin from your confirmation.
- Hotel transfer: shared pick-up and drop-off from Bur Dubai and Deira can be added for an extra charge.
Tips for the Best Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina
Best time of year
November to April is the most comfortable, with mild evenings that make the open upper deck lovely. In summer, choose the air-conditioned lower deck.
Booking and payment
- On most dinner cruises you pay 50% online to confirm and the rest on arrival.
- Same-day bookings are usually open until 7:00 PM (6:00 PM for the Pearl).
- All sales are final, so double-check your date before paying.
What to wear and bring
- Smart casual is ideal. A light jacket or shawl helps on the upper deck in winter.
- Bring your booking voucher on your phone and a photo ID.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Cruises leave on time.
Make a day of it
Pair your cruise with an adventure: the Desert Safari with Dhow Cruise Marina combo (from AED 249), the Dhow Cruise with Dubai City Tour (from AED 165) or the Dubai Trio Offer.
Why Book Your Dhow Cruise with Falcon Oasis?
🎆 Planning New Year’s Eve? Our special NYE cruises sail on 31 December 2026 with gala dinners and midnight fireworks views. See the NYE cruise Dubai guide or compare NYE prices.
Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina: Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a dhow cruise in Dubai Marina?
Falcon Oasis dhow cruises in Dubai Marina start from AED 49 per person for a snacks-only cruise. Dinner cruises start from AED 75 (Glass Cruise and Sunset Dhow), AED 99 (Mega Dhow), AED 109 (Falcon Oasis Pearl) and AED 119 (Premium Cruise).
What time does the Dubai Marina dhow cruise start?
Most evening dinner cruises board at 8:00 PM and cruise for about two hours, roughly 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM. The Sunset Dhow Cruise sails from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Where does the Falcon Oasis dhow cruise depart from?
From Dubai Marina Harbour. Most evening cruises board at Gate 3 (AA/AB), and the exact Google Maps location is sent with your booking confirmation.
Is dinner included on the dhow cruise?
Yes, on all dinner cruises: you get a buffet dinner with veg and non-veg options, plus unlimited soft drinks, water, tea and coffee. The AED 49 cruise includes samosas and soft drinks only.
Which is the best dinner cruise in Dubai Marina?
For best value, the Glass Cruise at AED 75. For a classic dhow, the Mega Dhow at AED 99. For a special occasion, the Premium Cruise with a five-star BBQ buffet at AED 119.
Is the dhow cruise good for kids?
Yes. It’s relaxed and family-friendly, with an air-conditioned lower deck and a colourful Tanoura show. Infants under 3 travel free on the Mega Dhow, Glass and Premium dinner cruises.
Is alcohol served on the dhow cruise?
Alcohol is not included in any standard package. It can be bought on board the Glass and Premium cruises, but is not served on the Mega Dhow.
Is hotel pick-up included?
No, but shared transfers from Bur Dubai and Deira can be added for an extra charge.
Can I book a dhow cruise for tonight?
Yes. Same-day bookings are usually open until 7:00 PM (6:00 PM for the Pearl), subject to availability.
Can I cancel my dhow cruise booking?
All sales are final and confirmed bookings cannot be refunded. If bad weather cancels a cruise, our team will contact you.
Book Your Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina
Dinner, live shows and the Marina skyline, from AED 49. Book direct with Falcon Oasis.
Related reading: luxury yacht and dhow dinner cruises, why a Dubai Marina dinner cruise is the perfect evening and the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai.
